Dear Colleagues and Friends,
On behalf of the Organizing Committee of World Soybean Research Conference VIII (WSRC VIII), I would like to extend my warmest welcome to you for participating in the WSRC VIII, which will be held in Beijing China, August 10-15, 2009.
In the last century, soybean industry was rapidly developed in northern and south Americas and soybean became one of the most important agricultural products in international trade. WSRC is the top international conference for soybean research and industry. WSRC VIII is the first WSRC to be convened in China since its inception, which really causes us great honor and pride. As the home of soybean, the kingdom of germplasm, the cradle of soyfood, as well as one of the major soybean producers and consuming countries, together with the great progress which has been made in soybean scientific research, China will offer you an excellent opportunity to experience the long standing oriental soy culture and exchange ideas about soybean research and industry development with the experts from all around the world. And it is our cordial expectation to interact and collaborate with the international soybean counterparts to share experience in all aspects related to soybean production, processing and utilization.
China is a fast developing country with both ancient cultural heritages and modern achievements. Beijing, the capital of China, is the country's political, cultural and international exchange center, and is famous for its unique cultural fascination. With the benefit of 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing will be more attractive. Its 3000-year cultural history mingles happily with today's vigorous metropolitan prosperity to provide a galaxy of humanities and historic sites for WSRC participants' appreciation of Chinese traditional culture. The splendid Great Wall, majestic Palace Museum, spectacular Summer Palace and ancient culture in the setting of a modern metropolis of hospitable Chinese people will surely stand out in the memory of every participant.
As China's leading agricultural research entity, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) owns a big team of soybean researchers engaged in a very extensive soybean research area. All soybean researchers in CAAS would like to take the opportunity of WSRC VIII to see more close communication and cooperation with the international counterparts.
As Confucius said, "It is such a delight to have friends coming from afar." We are eagerly looking forward to the fall of 2009 when participants from every corner of the world in the soybean field gather in Beijing.
Sincerely,
Dr. Huqu Zhai
President of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Chairman of the World Soybean Research Conference VIII Organizing Committee
On behalf of all members of the WSRC Continuing Committee, it is my very great pleasure to welcome, and invite you, to the World Soybean Research Conference VIII to be held from August 10-15th, 2009, in Beijing, China.
The World Soybean Research Conference, having been held previously in Brazil, USA, Argentina, Thailand and now China is truly the premier international soybean conference in the world. The Continuing Committee, whose members represent all of the soybean producing regions around the world, was pleased to be able to award the 8th hosting of this international conference to the 'birthplace' of soybeans, China.
Our congratulations to the WSRC VIII Organizing Committee, chaired by Dr. Huqu Zhai, President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and to all those who have worked so hard to bring this conference to life.
The conference organizers will expand WSRC VIII to include "Soybean Industry Forum" to discuss and develop a global blueprint for a safe, secure and sustainable supply of soy for food, feed, fuel and fiber. This will be an important addition to the conference that will benefit from your expertise and insight.
The conference will showcase new varieties, technologies, products and publications to complement the scientific exchange and the Global Soy Forum. Numerous post-conference tours to soybean farms, processing plants and breathtaking historical and cultural sites will highlight your visit to China and immerse you in its culture.
It will be a time to share the latest in the scientific advancement of soybeans, the world's most important legume crop. It is a conference we hope you all will be able to participate in and experience.
The organizing committee extends an invitation to everyone involved with soybeans world-wide to join with them in making this a truly remarkable and memorable conference.
See you in Beijing,
Gary R. Ablett
Chair, Continuing Committee
World Soybean Research Conference
